5,146 mm (16.88 ft) in length, with a 2,994 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase, 1,949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1,458 mm (4.78 ft) in height – the new Audi S8 boasts generous proportions. It is significantly longer than its competitors.

The lines document Audi’s leading role in automotive design. The outer skin conveys homogeneity, as if modeled from a solid volume. A coupe-like roof line lets the silhouette flow; sculptured surfaces contrast with sharp lines. The bold design in aluminum demands uncompromising precision and a high level of expertise at every step of the manufacturing process.

The frame of the single-frame grille is platinum gray and its eight horizontal double bars are covered in chrome. With the slightly angular upper corners, the grille is neatly integrated in the front section. The edge of the engine hood intersects lightly with the tops of the headlights. Horizontal aluminum-look ribs structure the large air inlets, whose slats are painted in high-gloss black. An aluminum-look edge lends a sharp contour to the lower section of the bumper.

The contoured flanks of the S8 are sporty and elegant, with accents provided by body-color trim strips on the sills, aluminum strips on the door handles and polished aluminum-look mirror housings. V8 T badges adorn the fenders and the trunk lid.

The diffuser insert at the sculpted back of the car includes a lip with a two-layer aluminum-look finish offset with parts in platinum gray. The exhaust system ends in two oval dual tailpipes in a chrome-look finish.

Broad palette: 13 paint colors
There are 13 paint colors from which to choose. The solid colors are Ibis White and Brilliant Black. The metallic finishes are Glacier Silver, Ice Silver, Quartz Gray, Havana Black, Emerald Black and Oolong Gray. The pearl effect finishes are Phantom Black, Night Blue, Impala Beige and Daytona Gray.

The last color is reserved for the S8, as is the crystal effect finish Prism Silver. Even more exclusive are the paint finishes available as part of the Audi exclusive program, which Audi mixes specially upon the customer’s request.

Another highlight of the Audi S8 are the standard LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, their light resembles daylight and hardly fatigues the eyes. The LED headlights, each of which integrates 76 light-emitting diodes and contain no moving parts, are designed for the life of the vehicle. Their energy consumption is minimal, with the low beams requiring just 40 watts per unit. The integrated high-beam assistant switches automatically between the high and low beams.

The flat, wide rear lights of the S8 generate a seemingly three-dimensional light pattern. They are realized almost entirely with LED technology, with each unit containing 72 light-emitting diodes. The tail light forms a trapezoidal contour that appears as a homogenous band thanks to a light guide and a free-form surface. The adaptive brake light is located inside the trapezoid. When the S8 decelerates strongly, the brake light flashes quickly, and the hazard warning lights are activated if the car then comes to a stop.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.